Taking place a year after Aria of Sorrow, the game's protagonist – Soma Cruz – finds himself at the center of a mysterious cult's plan to resurrect their evil lord and master, Dracula. In order to save himself and protect the lives of those he loves, Soma Cruz must infiltrate the enemy's home base, a towering replica of Dracula's castle that is teaming with monstrous creatures. Players' abilities grow and develop as they collect items and gather experience points by defeating enemies.